Gatineau LRT to get federal funding, minister pledges

Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna says the federal government will help pay for light rail between downtown Hull and Aylmer in Gatineau, Que.

Gatineau hopes to have the $2.1 billion, 26-kilometre LRT systemup and running by the end of the next decade, having already received a commitment from PremierFranois Legault to fund 60 per centof the project, or about $1.26 billion.

The city has said it would like the federal and provincialgovernment tocover most of the bill.

McKennatold Radio-Canada'sLes Matins d'iciradio show Thursday that strengthening the transit links between Ottawa and Gatineau makes sense because so many people cross the Ottawa River for work.

The Liberals have promised to increase public transit funding by $3 billion a year, but will fund only zero-emissionvehicles after 2023.

McKenna, MP for Ottawa Centre, a riding that could benefit directly from Gatineau's LRT project, said she's waiting for a formal request for funding. She did notspecify how much the federal government might contribute.

• Gatineau reveals $2.1B LRT plan, eyes 2028 launch
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Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin said the project is far enough along to begin discussing funding.

McKenna also said in the French interview she wants a sixth bridge over the river between the two cities, but would wait for the National Capital Commission to finish studying the options.

Next steps

According to survey results released earlier this month bytheSocit de transport de l'Outaouais(STO), more than 75 per cent of668 respondents are in favour of a fully electric light rail network in Gatineau.

Asked to pick from a few options, 47 per centfavoured above-ground trains between downtown Hull and the intersection of chemin Eardley and boulevard des Allumetiresin Aylmer.

Few respondents opted to continue with a bus-only transit system.

The STO said it will pick an option, "refine" it, embark on further public consultations and come up with a final plan some time next year.